The Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) made an announcement on Friday regarding the establishment of a fresh Super Rugby Americas team, named Litoral. This professional team will be jointly administered by the Santa Fe Rugby Union (Santa Fe), the Rosario Rugby Union (Rosario, the largest city within Santa Fe), and the Entre Ríos Rugby Union (Entre Ríos).
The UAR president, Gabriel Travaglini, attended the signing of the business agreement and conveyed his happiness regarding the joint undertaking to create a new Argentine franchise, as detailed on the official website for Súper Rugby Américas.
“This advancement not only fortifies Argentina, but also enhances rugby across the region, by broadening the talent base, elevating standards, and enriching the experience for fans. We are confident that this addition will enrich the tournament and function as a stimulus to further promote the development of South American rugby.”
The expansion is expected to grow Argentina’s pool of players, with over 30 new contracts, thus spreading professional rugby into newer areas.
Argentina has been significantly engaged in fostering Super Rugby Americas as training grounds for future Pumas, initially with Ceibos and Jaguares XV in 2020. Pampas joined in 2023, alongside the re-named Ceibos, now known as Dogos XV. The Tarucas were the most recent addition, representing the established rugby region of Tucumán.
Súper Rugby Américas president, Marcello Calandra, was delighted by the news, according to a statement on the Súper Rugby Américas website.
“As those who put on Super Rugby Americas, we are pleased about the confirmation of an eighth franchise, showing that our competition is progressing well, continuously fostering players for national squads and creating considerable public enthusiasm.”
With the addition of Litoral, Super Rugby Americas now comprises eight franchises: Argentina’s Dogos XV, Pampas and Tarucas, Uruguay’s Peñarol, Brazil’s Cobras, Chile’s Selknam and Paraguay’s Yacaré XV.
The tournament will keep its current setup, featuring a round-robin regular season. Following 14 rounds, the top four teams move on to single-leg semi-finals.
Peñarol currently holds the title. Argentine teams have won the trophy twice – Jaguares XV in 2021 and Dogos XV in 2024.
